Singapore - Melbourne - Hobart

Left Singapore on time, at around 8.15 pm, on a full Qantas flight. Arrived in Melbourne on time at 5.35 am. 

The process through the Border Security and Customs was quite streamlined. 

It is interesting to see how automated the whole travel experience is these days; from checking-in in London, printing your own baggage tags and boarding cards - you don’t even have to do that if it is all done online, etc. The same applies for the domestic process as well. If it wasn’t for our need to change seating, and the passage through each security check, you may not even need human contact. 

The flight to Hobart provided some wonderful views of the central highlands and of Hobart. 

London - Singapore

Awake early on our last day in London. Even James was awake at an early hour to take Leelou for her morning walk. 

We headed off towards Chiswick House and Gardens - a wonderful place for both families and dogs. 

This immense estate was designed and built during the 18th century for the Duke of Devonshire, and bought by the local council in 1929 for the benefit of its citizens - the need to keep open space was seen as important way back then. What great foresight. 

Leelou could sense when we were approaching the gardens, having been here many times before. 

Fun and games!

... and, a meeting of minds!

We later returned to James’ for the rest of the day to pack and be ready to leave for the airport at around 5 pm. 

James normally takes us to the airport but his car is currently in the basement garage and the car lift is not working. An Uber was our solution for the transport woes. 

Always sad saying goodbye- to James today and Maddie last evening - but we will return!

The Qantas flight was on time and once at the airport we were able to change our “garbage” seats to some very decent ones - even an exit-aisle seat. 

Left London at 9.22 pm,  arrived Singapore 5.20 pm. 

The Last week or so!!

Where do I start . . . Our last post was a little over a week ago. 

After the Sunday at the cricket we continued to stay with Maddie and Kevan, spending time relaxing after a fairly full couple of weeks. 

Puppy-sitting Chilli was a great distraction and a great incentive to get out early each day for a long walk. 

The Brent Park golf course was the ideal location on most mornings. This area was also a popular backdrop for film production units too. And with the weather being very kind to us, it became our local pub on many afternoons. 

Whilst with Maddie we viewed some houses that they were interested in. One we thought may have met their criteria by the photos was very disappointing. So the search goes on!

We left Maddie and Kevan’s on Thursday to take up puppy duties at James’ place whilst they were in Manchester. Our daily walks with Leelou gave us a chance to explore the backstreets and parks around Chiswick. Chiswick House was the standout. 

Tuesday evening was our last in London, Maddie was returning from the Greek Islands so we all met in Ealing-Broadway for some drinks and a meal. A lovely evening but sad saying goodbye to Maddie and Kevan. 

Beer garden Ealing-Broadway